Apprentice Fitter Machinist

NGARE EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS PTY LTD; Sydney; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Earn while you learn

Hands-on training

Mentorship by tradespeople

Local Prestons work

Australian employer with global reach

Supportive team

Job summary

NEPEAN Engineering in Prestons, NSW, invites school leavers to apply for the 2027 Apprentice Fitter Machinist intake. You’ll gain hands-on experience with manual and CNC machining, while earning a trade qualification over up to four years.

You’ll learn to set up lathes and mills, interpret drawings, and perform fitting duties under experienced mentors. This is a strong path into precision engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Completion of Year 12 is required; school-based engineering or metalwork experience is valued.
• Willingness to learn both manual and CNC machining with safety focus.
• Interest in precision engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Learn to set up and operate manual lathes and milling machines.
• Develop CNC machining skills and interpret engineering drawings.
• Inspect components and ensure tolerances are met with proper tooling.
• Perform mechanical fitting tasks including assembling and maintaining equipment.

Skills

Read engineering drawings

Manual lathe operation

CNC machining basics

Measuring & inspection

Machining tool selection

Mechanical fitting tasks

Safety practices

Education

Year 12 completed

Tools

Manual lathes

Milling machines

Grinders

CNC equipment

Job description

• 2027 Apprentice Fitter Machinist Intake – Prestons
• Start your engineering trade career with NEPEAN Engineering

Start your Fitter Machining career with hands-on experience in manual and CNC machining

Do you enjoy working with machines, solving practical problems and turning raw metal into precision components? NEPEAN Engineering is inviting motivated school leavers and future tradespeople to apply for our 2027 Apprentice Fitter Machinist intake at Prestons, NSW. You’ll build hands-on skills across manual and CNC machining, supported by practical mechanical fitting experience, while working toward a nationally recognised engineering trade qualification.

As part of the NEPEAN group, you’ll join a proudly Australian engineering business where apprentices learn by doing. Supported by experienced tradespeople, you’ll develop the practical techniques, accuracy and confidence needed to create quality components using traditional manual machines and modern CNC technology.

About the opportunity

This fixed-term apprenticeship runs for up to four years and combines structured learning with practical workshop experience. Your main focus will be learning to set up and operate manual lathes and milling machines, develop CNC machining skills, interpret engineering drawings, select tooling, inspect finished components and work to precise tolerances. You’ll also gain experience in mechanical fitting duties, including assembling, installing, maintaining and repairing mechanical components and equipment. On successful completion, you’ll have the opportunity to become a qualified Fitter Machinist with a strong foundation for a career in precision engineering and advanced manufacturing.

From producing one-off parts on manual machines to supporting repeatable production on CNC equipment, you’ll see how skilled machinists combine technical knowledge, careful measurement and attention to detail to deliver quality work safely and efficiently.

What you’ll learn

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and job instructions.
• Set up and operate manual lathes, milling machines, grinders and other workshop equipment.
• Build practical CNC machining knowledge, including machine setup, tooling and production processes.
• Measure and inspect components using precision measuring equipment and work to specified tolerances.
• Select tools, materials, speeds and feeds while developing sound machining techniques.
• Perform mechanical fitting tasks such as assembling and disassembling components, fitting bearings and shafts, aligning equipment and assisting with maintenance and repairs.
• Follow safe work practices, maintain a clean workshop and contribute positively within a skilled team.

Why join NEPEAN Engineering?

• Earn while you learn with above-Award apprentice pay.
• Develop broad Fitter Machinist skills with a strong focus on manual and CNC machining, supported by practical mechanical fitting experience.
• Learn from qualified tradespeople who will mentor you and help you build technical confidence.
• Work locally in Prestons while contributing to engineering and manufacturing projects across mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, scientific and defence sectors.
• Join a successful Australian employer with strong local roots and global reach across six continents.
• Be part of a supportive team that values safety, initiative, teamwork, reliability and a willingness to learn.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for enthusiastic, reliable and safety-minded applicants who are genuinely interested in how things are made. You may enjoy metalwork, engineering, design and technology, automotive projects, robotics, fixing equipment or creating precise parts. You’ll bring mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, a willingness to learn and the confidence to ask questions while working as part of a team. Completion of Year 12 is required, and any school-based engineering, metalwork, machining or workshop experience will be highly regarded—but you do not need to already know how to operate CNC equipment.

Ready to start your career?

If you’re excited by precision machining, interested in developing practical mechanical fitting skills and want to earn a trade qualification, the NEPEAN Engineering 2027 Apprentice Fitter Machinist intake in Prestons, NSW

25 September 2026Prestons New South Wales, Australia